April 11-14; 2019 THE RUN DOWN THE LENGTH OF THE ALBEMARLE AND UP THE CUT TO COINJOCK, NC

When the following day showed a promise of smooth water, we quickly agreed that a run down the length of the Albemarle was in order. While on the Great Loop three years ago, we transited the Pasquotank River to Elizabeth City and on through the Great Dismal Swamp to the Portsmouth/Norfolk area. For a different experience, we chose to run the North Carolina/Virginia Cut to Coinjock… an 8-hour run… and then on to the twin cities… a 7-hour run. We were amazed at the beauty of the scenery along the Cut; not much has ever been mentioned about this route. Impressive also was the 1,050 foot face dock at the Coinjock Marina. The dock master reported to us that 35+ boats have been tied up on that face dock at the end of any given day. We are now tucked into the Tidewater Yacht Marina in Portsmouth, across the Elizabeth River from the Waterside Complex in Norfolk. We will call this our home for the next two weeks.

Coinjock Marina's 1050 ft  face dock

Aug. 18-21, 2016 Leland, MI / Historic Fish Town/Sleeping Bear Dunes Nat’l Lakeshore

You can tell that Leland’s tie to the fishing industry has been well-established over the years. The restored fish tug and the shanties that line the Historic Fish Town Dock provide an authentic backdrop for several long-time eateries. We had already sampled and enjoyed perch, pickeral and whitefish along the way. At the suggestion of Michigan friends, we each chose the smelt plate off the Bluebird Restaurant’s Tavern Menu. The ample portion of tiny smelts were crunchy and delicious! Lake Michigan continues to offer livelihood opportunities for Lelanders. Numerous fishing charter boats leave at daybreak to ply the waters with hopeful vacationers. Two ferries carrying the adventurous... backpackers, hikers, overnight campers... leave from Leland two or three times a day. Their destination is the North and South Manitou Islands, part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park.  M22 is the highway that runs the Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline. Residents and visitors to the area often put an M22 sticker on their car. When they are away from Michigan, the question is, "Are you a local or did you fall in love with it as you passed through?" These lakeside towns are so sweet, it's no wonder so many visitors return year after year. Leland is also a “Harbor of Refuge”. Lake Michigan tends to kick up without much warning, so boaters can find a safe haven every 30 to 50 miles from Petoskey, MI to Chicago, IL.  We “stayed put” at the Leland Municipal Marina inside the Leland seawall for four days while two red flags (small-craft warnings... seas 5 ft. or greater; gale-force winds...32-38mph) were prominently dispayed next to Old Glory at the marina. This is the first time that we have felt the urgency to keep moving, but the prudent mariner understands the need to wait for the rough sea-like conditions to calm down. 

Gale Force Wind flags flying 

restored historic Fish Tug

Surfers gather eager for a thrill

Created by Darcy O Campbell

Tues.-Wed. August 16&17, 2016 Petroskey in Little Traverse Bay on Eastern Shore of Lake Michigan

Many thanks to Gold Looper Paul from Nordic Tug Zephyr for transporting us for re-provisioning in his home port of Petoskey.  We missed seeing Denise, but we loved her snappy convertible! Later in the day Paul joined fellow Loopers from Summertime, Lone Star, 4th Inning and Eagle Heart on Moondance for docktails and cruising talk. Using loaner bikes from the marina, we peddled east on the paved Little Traverse Wheelway to get a first-hand look at the Bay View Association. Its a Methodist “encampment” of nealy 500 Victorian homes. Using the Chautauqua (NY) Assembly model to inspire, entertain and educate, the hillside community has been active in the summer months for almost 150 years. On the north shore of Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs has a showy presence with notable family names such as Ford, Upjohn and Gamble. Further west of Petoskey on the south shore is Bay Harbor Lake, an upscale private community created in the 1990’s on the site of a limestone quarry.

Created by Darcy O Campbell

July 12, 2016 An unforgettable anchorage experience.

In the Skipper Bob’s Cruising the Trent-Severn Waterway Guide page 32, we found a tip that we couldn’t pass up.  “Mile 110.6, Stony Lake. If you have time and want to spend time at anchor in absolutely beautiful pristine conditions, take the channel at “C200” to Stony Lake. Stony Lake provides the same background of rocky hillsides and islands that you will see in the Georgian Bay. Use Chart 2023, sheet 3 of 3. Fishing is great, the scenery to die for and the quiet mind-numbing. There are many quiet anchorages with just your name on it in Stony Lake.”  Our secluded cove was tucked in the granite ledges of Juniper Island. We swam from “Summertime” in refreshingly clear water...delightful. Wally woke me at 2am to go top-side and see the night sky.  The twinkling stars seemed close enough to pluck! 

Created and composed by Darcy O. Campbell